Uran Satybaldiev – Rising UFC Star from Kyrgyzstan
Uran Satybaldiev – Rising UFC Star from Kyrgyzstan
Uran “Gorilla” Satybaldiev is one of the most talked-about fighters from Kyrgyzstan making waves in the UFC. Known for his fearless style, knockout power, and strong grappling base, he represents the new generation of Central Asian MMA fighters competing on the global stage. From regional promotions to his UFC debut, his journey is full of resilience and exciting moments that fans love to follow.
In this article, we’ll cover his early life, fight career, UFC debut, fighting style, stats, and upcoming fight news — all in one place.
Who is Uran Satybaldiev?
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Full Name: Uran Satybaldiev
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Nickname: Gorilla
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Date of Birth: August 10, 1994
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Birthplace: Osh, Kyrgyzstan
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Height / Reach: 6’4” (193 cm) / 79” (201 cm)
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Division: Light Heavyweight (previously fought at Heavyweight on short notice)
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Team: Uluu Kyrgyz Team
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Fighting Style: Pressure striker with a judo and sambo base, strong clinch control, and submission skills
Early Life and Background
Born in the Osh region of Kyrgyzstan, Uran grew up surrounded by wrestling and combat traditions. Before stepping into professional MMA, he trained in judo, sambo, and kok boru (a traditional Central Asian horseback sport). This diverse background gave him balance, grappling strength, and mental toughness that later became the foundation of his MMA style.
Uran Satybaldiev’s MMA Career Journey
Success on the Regional Scene
Before joining the UFC, Satybaldiev built his reputation in Open FC and the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). He picked up multiple wins through knockouts and submissions, proving himself as a versatile and dangerous finisher.
Highlights from LFA
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LFA 178 (March 2024): Scored a late TKO win over Bruno Assis in Round 4, showing his ability to stay dangerous in long fights.
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LFA 203 (March 2025): Won via kimura submission in Round 3, proving he can dominate on the ground as well.
These victories positioned him as one of the most promising international light heavyweights before signing with the UFC.
UFC Debut on Short Notice
Satybaldiev made his UFC debut on April 5, 2025, at UFC Vegas 105. He accepted the fight on just three days’ notice — and even moved up a weight class to face Martin Buday at heavyweight.
Despite being 40+ pounds lighter than Buday, Uran went the distance and impressed fans with his toughness, forward pressure, and never-back-down attitude. Although he lost by decision, his debut performance won him a lot of respect in the MMA world.
Fighting Style and Strengths
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Pressure Striker – He constantly moves forward, throwing heavy shots and forcing opponents to fight off the back foot.
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Grappling Power – With judo and sambo roots, he’s very strong in clinch positions and dangerous with submissions like the kimura.
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Durability and Cardio – Uran has proven he can go into deep rounds and still maintain power, making him a threat in all three rounds.
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Finisher’s Mentality – Most of his career wins have come by knockout or submission, making him an exciting fighter for fans.
Uran Satybaldiev Record (as of August 2025)
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Professional Record: 8–1 (UFC/ESPN stats) | 9–1 (Tapology record)
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Wins by KO/TKO: Majority of victories
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Wins by Submission: Several, including his kimura finish in LFA
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Losses: Only one professional defeat (his UFC debut vs. Buday)
Note: MMA records may vary slightly depending on the source, but all agree he’s a proven finisher with a high win rate.
Upcoming Fight – UFC Shanghai 2025
Uran Satybaldiev is set to return to action on August 23, 2025, at UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang in Shanghai, China. This time, he’s expected to compete in his natural division (Light Heavyweight), where his size, speed, and grappling should give him a big advantage.
Reports suggest he will face Diyar Nurgozhay, another rising talent. This fight is crucial for Uran, as a win will firmly establish him in the UFC’s light heavyweight roster.
Why Fans Should Watch Uran Satybaldiev
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He brings all-action fights with high finishing potential.
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He represents Kyrgyzstan, a nation with a growing MMA scene.
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His never-quit attitude — taking a fight at heavyweight on three days’ notice — shows he’s built for the big stage.
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He’s young enough to develop into a real contender at 205 lbs.
Final Thoughts
Uran Satybaldiev may only be at the beginning of his UFC journey, but he has already proven himself as a fearless fighter with serious potential. From his LFA championship run to a gutsy UFC debut against a much bigger opponent, his career is filled with moments that fans love.
With his upcoming fight in UFC Shanghai 2025, all eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver a statement win and climb the UFC light heavyweight ladder.
